Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida has been closely linked with a Premier League move for months now.
Arsenal became the latest side to enter the race for the Croatia international with The Sun reporting that a £25m bid could be on the cards.
The transfer story took a bizarre twist today as the Sabah newspaper reported that Vida actually told club official Umut Guner that he wants to stay.
Guner meanwhile reportedly responded: “Besiktas is happy with you but the interests of the club are important.”
The Black Eagles want to sell Vida despite the World Cup finalist being keen on staying.
The report hints at the 29-year-old’s wages being an important factor.
Vida earns £3m [€3.3m] per-season and has another four-years remaining on his contract.
Arsenal would have no problem matching his wages but would be unlikely to offer a four-year deal.
The defender could be available on a cut-price deal as the fee being reported is £14.4m, far less than the £25m that was being quoted.
Vida saw his value skyrocket after his role in guiding Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, scoring and providing an assist in the knockout rounds.
Besiktas signed the powerful centre-back on a free transfer from Dynamo Kiev last season and want to cash in to fund their transfer activity this summer.
The Super Lig transfer window runs until the end of the month.